peck

• Nom pouvant désigner une grande quantité de quelque chose ou une unité de mesure pour les matières sèches et liquides, utilisée dans les systèmes de mesures britannique et américain.

A noun that can refer to a large number or amount of something, or a unit of dry or liquid capacity used in both British and American measurement systems.

1. Large quantityB2informal

   A considerable amount or number of something, often used informally.

   Grande quantité

   • He had a peck of trouble with his old car.
   • She received a peck of letters after the announcement.
   • They've got a peck of work to do before the deadline.

   Synonymesbunchheaploadlotmountainpileplentyton

2. Imperial unit of capacityC1formalbritish

   A British unit of measurement for dry or liquid volume, equal to 2 gallons (approximately 9.09 liters).

   boisseau (unité de capacité)

   • The farmer sold a peck of apples at the market.
   • A peck of oats was enough to feed the horse for a week.
   • The recipe called for a peck of barley.

3. US dry measureC1formalamerican

   A United States unit of dry volume, equal to 8 quarts or approximately 537.6 cubic inches (8.81 liters).

   boisseau (mesure de capacité)

   • He bought a peck of potatoes from the local farm.
   • The market sells grains by the peck.
   • A peck of corn is enough for a small family.

• Verbe décrivant l'action d'un oiseau qui frappe ou mord quelque chose avec son bec, ou un baiser léger et rapide.

A verb used to describe the action of a bird striking or biting something with its beak, or to kiss someone lightly and quickly.

1. Strike with a picking motionB1formal

   To hit or strike something lightly and repeatedly, often with a pointed object or beak.

   Donner des coups de bec / frapper par à-coups

   • The woodpecker began to peck at the tree trunk.
   • She pecked at the keyboard, typing slowly.
   • The chicken pecked the ground looking for seeds.

   Synonymesjabpickpokeraptap

2. Eat in small amountsB1informal

   To eat in small, quick bites, often without enthusiasm, similar to how a bird eats.

   Manger par petites bouchées

   • She just pecked at her dinner, not feeling hungry.
   • The child pecked at the vegetables on his plate.
   • He pecked at the sandwich, taking tiny bites.

   Synonymesnibblepick attoy with

   Antonymesdevourgobblegorge

3. Give a quick kissB1informal

   To give a quick, light kiss, often on the cheek or lips.

   donner un baiser rapide

   • He pecked her on the cheek before leaving.
   • She gave him a quick peck on the lips.
   • They pecked each other goodbye at the door.

   Synonymesbusskiss

4. Eat sparinglyB2informal

   To eat very little or in a fussy manner, like a bird.

   manger du bout des lèvres

   • She pecked at her food like a bird, barely touching it.
   • He pecked at the salad, not really interested.
   • The patient pecked at the hospital meal.

   Synonymesnibblepick attoy with

   Antonymesdevourgobblegorgeguzzlewolf

5. Nag or complainB2informal

   To bother someone persistently with trivial complaints or criticisms.

   harceler de reproches

   • She kept pecking at him about his messy room.
   • Stop pecking at me about the small details.
   • He pecked at his coworker for being late.

   Synonymescarpcavilnag

Variantes phrasalpeck at